Authorities warn of local scam

By Carlos E. MedinaStaff writer

Published: Monday, August 19, 2013 at 5:11 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, August 19, 2013 at 5:11 p.m.

The man told investigators he called the satellite company on Aug. 8 and asked about their deals for television and Internet service. He did not sign up for any services that day, according to Marion County Sheriff’s Office reports.

A few days later, the man said, he got a call from a woman who claimed to work for the same satellite company and who offered him a better deal on service. He agreed to sign up, but the woman said she would need to collect a $200 fee to cover shipping and installation. The man, wary of giving his credit card number over the phone, instead bought a prepaid card and used that to pay the $200 fee, according to reports.

The installers were supposed to come to the man’s home Sunday. When they did not show up, he called the satellite company, which said they had no record of him signing up for service nor did they have anyone working for them by the name the woman gave, reports state.

The sheriff’s office recommends that anyone contacted by a scammer log onto www.ic3.gov (an Internet Crime Complaint Center). Those who have been the victim of a scam should call their local law enforcement agency.

<p>The man told investigators he called the satellite company on Aug. 8 and asked about their deals for television and Internet service. He did not sign up for any services that day, according to Marion County Sheriff's Office reports.</p><p>A few days later, the man said, he got a call from a woman who claimed to work for the same satellite company and who offered him a better deal on service. He agreed to sign up, but the woman said she would need to collect a $200 fee to cover shipping and installation. The man, wary of giving his credit card number over the phone, instead bought a prepaid card and used that to pay the $200 fee, according to reports.</p><p>The installers were supposed to come to the man's home Sunday. When they did not show up, he called the satellite company, which said they had no record of him signing up for service nor did they have anyone working for them by the name the woman gave, reports state.</p><p>The sheriff's office recommends that anyone contacted by a scammer log onto www.ic3.gov (an Internet Crime Complaint Center). Those who have been the victim of a scam should call their local law enforcement agency.</p>